1. Introductions and Apologies
JFB welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions and apologies were made.
2. Minutes of Last Meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and it was confirmed that all the actions had been completed. The group agreed these minutes were a true reflection of the meeting.
3. Matters Arising
There were none.
4. Feedback from Steering Group meeting
JFB fed back information from the last steering group meeting. The main point to come out of this meeting was that the sub groups need to add in milestones and targets to their action plans. Also the public sector group had suffered poor attendance and had asked our chair John Sunderland to use his influence with LA chief executives to assist with this problem. Tony Norton, chair of the RE sub group, is conducting a study into energy services in Devon.
Action: Jo to send out Tony’s summary with minutes (please see attached)
For a full account of the steering group meeting, please see the SG minutes attached.
5. Conference Update – Jo Nicholson
Jo explained how we are endeavoring to make the conference carbon neutral by offsetting carbon produced through tree planting, in partnership with CO2 Balance who plant trees in Crediton. It was also mentioned that food would be locally produced, a free bus service would be on offer and minimal waste through printing would be produced. Already 80 attendees are registered and 20 exhibitors have expressed an interest. The group discussed the timetable for the day and decided more time needed to be given to Q&A session, and the exhibitors needed to be asked not to leave early. Jo asked the group to assist with publicizing the conference through their contacts.
Action: Jo to send out conference documents in WORD format for ease of printing.
Update: The conference was a great success and documents and presentations are now available on the website at http://www.dsen.org.uk/index/events/annual_conference_2006.htm
6. Prioritisation of Action Plan and Activity - Jeremy Filmer-Bennett
Following the steering group meeting JFB & MH added in priorities and timescales to the actions on the action plan. Now needs a ‘who’ column added in.
Action: group to consider plan (attached) and if agreed JFB & MH will add in a ‘who’ column by next meeting.
A discussion took place around what incentives could be used to encourage businesses to support this. A win-win situation to reduce business rates would be desirable, and maybe there would be scope for something to be run on a pilot scale. Bronwyn Hill, CEO of GOSW, is attending a meeting of D&CBC next month, JFB will raise this idea here.
Action: JFB to talk to Bronwyn Hill about what opportunities exist.
7. RED update – Jeremy Filmer-Bennett
The bid is coming up on Thursday with Rural Renaissance and should go ahead. OJ2 have put this project down as a priority so there should be an announcement in time for the conference on March 27th.
Update: The bid has now been approved and meetings are taking place to discuss the delivery of RED’s objectives. For further info download Mark Hodgsons presentation from the DSEN conference at http://www.dsen.org.uk/index/events/annual_conference_2006.htm
8. Save Energy Pure Profit event – Mark Hodgson
In Marks absence this was not discussed but decided better to send information with the minutes.
Action: Jo to send information with minutes (please see attached)
9. AOB
RT has been asked for sustainable energy copy. Doesn’t want to reinvent the wheel so suggested the group should have a ‘slogan’ on all paperwork. It was suggested the development of an ‘editorial’, a couple of inspirational paragraphs communicating a common message would be good. Need to get all agencies on board (FSB, Chambers, etc.)
Action: Mark has a copywriter so group will contact him and get him to write the copy. This needs to be refreshed quarterly.
A discussion took place around the risks of an energy shortage to businesses in Devon. EDF energy are concerned about the ‘energy gap’ and have budget available for research and also for measures in RE/SE. EDF want to engage with businesses to investigate solutions.
Action: JFB to arrange a meeting between all members here and EDF to discuss how to work together.
UPDATE: DONM was set as 30th May 2006. Since the meeting I have been advised this is a half term. To avoid difficulties with attendance due to school holidays the meeting has been moved to 6th June.
DONM 6th June 2006 - 10.00-12.30
Committee Room A, Northcote House, Exeter University
